Why Harry and Meghan deserve our prayers

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, otherwise known as Harry and Meghan, have complained that they are the victims of systematic abuse and defamation – bullying, in effect – by the British press. But bullies do not always realise that that is what they are. This may particularly be the case when the targets of the bullying lead privileged lives, and seem strong and powerful rather than vulnerable.

The vulnerability of the Sussexes is now very clear, and the tabloids need to change course before more damage is done. The couple gave television interviews this week which made it clear they are genuinely suffering, and their mental health is causing concern. Prince William, Prince Harry's older brother, has indicated that he and other members of the royal family are "very worried" about him.

Harry's own anxiety is that the tabloid press might do to his wife what he feels they did to his mother, Princess Diana. She was being chased by paparazzi photographers, who could make a lot of money from one good picture, when the car she was in crashed in Paris in August 1997. Media coverage of the British royal family is a billion-pound business around the world, a round-the-clock exotic soap opera. When there is good material the tabloids make the most of it; when there is not, they are known to invent it.

In the case of the Duchess of Sussex, furthermore, much of the coverage has been critical, sometimes even spiteful. As she is a mixed-race American, there may be a hint of racism behind it. She is manifestly being worn down, and admits she was totally unprepared for the pressure. The feeling appears to be that ten days' good coverage, for instance over their recent trip to South Africa, does not compensate for one day's bad. The couple have embraced their public role admirably, rather along the lines of Princess Diana, as advocates for poor people, children especially, who would otherwise be without a voice. 

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, with Prince Harry during the WellChild Awards reception in London. CNS photo/Paul Haring

Despite that, the media has felt free to goad them because they are rich and privileged, and financially supported, very generously, by the State. They moved into a substantial Crown property, Frogmore Cottage, after it had been refurbished at a cost to British taxpayers of more than £2 million. How much privacy they are entitled to is debatable. Nor have they displayed any great skill at public relations. Had they done so, they might have been advised not to issue writs against tabloid newspapers, which they recently did and seemed like a challenge to a fight.

Such misjudgements may be forgiven however. Prince Harry was a lonely and vulnerable 12-year-old when his mother died, and has spoken of seeking counselling after enduring two years of "total chaos" while he struggled in his late twenties to come to terms with his grief and fury. He says he winces instinctively every time he hears a camera click or sees a flash. This is not self-indulgent self-pity; it is a symptom of unresolved psychological trauma. Such an honest admission demands compassion. 

Unlike the Church of England, the Catholic liturgy does not normally include prayers for the royal family. But in this case there could be an exception. Like every couple having difficulties, Harry and Meghan need praying for.